Youth Climate Institute

Our Certified Ambassadors are #ClimateLeaders! Sarah and Jordyn participated in a panel discussion about the role of partnerships and networks in cultivating meaningful community connections. They were joined by Suzanne Sullivan of ShoreRivers, Meredeth Dash of the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, and Christy Gabbard of Local Concepts LLC. The panel discussion took place at the 2025 Mid-Atlantic Environmental Literacy Forum at the National Conservation Training Center last month. The forum was held by the Mid-Atlantic Environmental Literacy Network Advisory team and sponsored by North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) and the Chesapeake Bay Trust.

Start your own #YouthClimateInstitute chapter! Join us for an upcoming chapter interest meeting to learn how to launch YCI at your school or community site. You might even walk away with a raffle prize! RSVP here to receive the Zoom link: https://buff.ly/iXnBuy8

The #YouthClimateInstitute is heading to Pennsylvania! Please join us in welcoming GreenAllies as our first chapter in Pennsylvania. GreenAllies helps students thrive by providing student leadership opportunities through service programs that promote a healthier, more sustainable community. And we're so excited to certify and celebrate these inspiring students! Are you in Pennsylvania and want to learn more about joining YCI? Catch us at the upcoming Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators conference in Erie or at the National Science Teaching Association conference in Philadelphia this month! Want to learn more right now? Schedule a consultation with a member of our team: https://buff.ly/LQH2mHX Or join an upcoming interest meeting: https://buff.ly/iXnBuy8

It's almost action project season and we couldn't be more excited! Every year, each #YouthClimateInstitute completes an action project that addresses a climate change concern in their community. Students work together to address food waste, fast fashion, water quality, green space, invasive plant, or another climate concern relevant to their lives. And they have a huge impact! Last year alone, there were 33 #YCI action projects that: - Had a positive impact on 11,500+ residents in Maryland and Alabama - Installed 300+ native trees and plants - 700+ bags of trash and litter removed from school grounds and surrounding communities - 1,300+ hours of community service completed by students Keep an eye on our socials and newsletter to stay up to date on action projects for the 2024-2025 school year!

Thank you to all of the students and professionals who joined the Youth Climate Institute for our first virtual Climate Career Expo last month! Students from schools throughout Maryland joined us to hear from climate professionals from organizations including: - The Johns Hopkins University - The Crows Nest - Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Howard County Government - Climate Action Now - Minorities In Aquaculture - Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation, Inc. - Northwestern University Thank you so much to all of our fantastic panelists, and to our students who asked so many insightful questions and who have their eye on a future in climate work!

Get ready for our next educator workshop! #FastFashion has a huge impact on the environment, and we're so excited to work with our friends at Patagonia Baltimore to host our first Fast Fashion Workshop. This professional development opportunity is great for both formal and informal educators -- whether you work in the classroom, in the field, or in afterschool programs, you'll be sure to walk away with great tips and tricks for facilitating student action against fast fashion. Learn more and RSVP on our website at https://buff.ly/4hfhrYX #ClimateChange #ClimateAction #SustainableClothing

Heading to the annual Maryland Association for Environmental & Outdoor Education (MAEOE) conference? So are we! Stop by the Youth Climate Institute this weekend to learn more about this growing climate change program for high school students -- and learn how we can help you become a Green School! Learn more about MAEOE at https://buff.ly/40Mri2w #YouthClimateInstitute #ClimateAction #MAEOE #Maryland

Join us for an interest meeting to learn more about starting a Youth Climate Institute in your community! Nature centers, libraries, schools, and any other community centers are perfect sites to host a chapter. We'd love to tell you how... and you might even walk away with a raffle prize! Register here: https://buff.ly/3EhBK9t Our next meeting is scheduled for February 12. Doesn't work for you? Schedule a one-on-one, 15 minute meeting with a member of the YCI team: https://buff.ly/3Eev4ZM

Don't forget to use your Target Circle votes to support the Youth Climate Institute between now and the end of March! Not sure how? We've got you covered! Click through this post to learn more. You earn more votes every time you make a purchase at Target, so please keep YCI in mind!

We’re featured in Target Circle?! Did you know you earn a vote everytime you shop with Target Circle to support nonprofits in your community? Vote for us in the Target app to direct Target funds to support the Youth Climate Institute. Live in Maryland and shop at Target? Here’s how: Step 1: Choose ‘My Target’ in the Target app or ‘Account’ on Target.com Step 2: Tap ‘Cast votes’ Step 3: Find us & vote